The Grievance Process

The grievance process provides members with a fair and accountable means of challenging decisions made unilaterally by management or hospital administration that are deemed unfair, without just cause, and/or violate our contract.

The process requires administrators to negotiate in good faith with union members to resolve a dispute and attempt to reach a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, our union can choose to take the matter before an arbitrator, who then has the authority to make a final and binding decision.

Your union stewards, the Grievance Chair, and Grievance Committee exist to provide ongoing support throughout the process.The procedure for filing a grievance is not complicated, nor should it be intimidating. The process is clearly spelled out in Article 40 of our contract.

If you believe you have been disciplined without “just cause,” or you are interested in learning more about grievances and the laws that relate to them, check out The Seven Tests of Just Cause, or the work of Robert M. Schwartz.

Mr. Schwartz is a lawyer who has represented unions and employees for more than 20 years, and is the author of several books on labor law including “Just Cause: A Union Guide to Winning Discipline” (2012). We have copies of this and other helpful books at our union office, or you can order directly from Work Press Rights.

Take the time to review our rights and protections by viewing the pages and links provided here. If you should have any questions at all about your rights or protections, or feel that you or someone you know is having their rights violated, please contact the Union Office at 802.657.4040, or email arleenlvfnhp.org, for more information and assistance.